How do you know me?

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
Mishneh Torah

Greetings on this the Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle
Readings: Rv 21:9b-14; Ps 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18; Jn 1:45-51

Moses Spoke

We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.

A prophet like me will the LORD, your God, raise up for you from among your own kindred; that is the one to whom you shall listen. If a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD but the word does not come true, it is a word the LORD did not speak. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; do not fear him (Duet 18:15, 22).

Summary

The revelation of Moses (Deuteronomy), of the Angel (Revelations) and of Bartholomew (Gospel of John) all come to the same person. Jesus, who is the Christ.

Here is a chart from my book on the Gospel of John.

Jesus Tells and Proves He is the One Moses Spoke of

Reflection

Moses spoke of the ‘one like me’ to reassure the Lord will not forget The People when he, Moses, is gone. The Angel reveals we The People collectively are the Bride. Nathanael represents all of us as Person. He answers for all of us: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man. Here Jesus is associating Nathanael to Jacob. Jacob is personal, intimate, and direct relation to God. He was given a new name by the Lord, Israel. Jacob wrestled with Angels, suffered under a tough Father-In-Law, and needed to make a great confession to Joseph regarding the death of his mother.

Nathanael, as Jacob, is forgiven by the Lord. Nathanael has within him the disappointment, angst and anger of a defeated person needing rescue: “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Coexisting in Nathanael is the despair and hope of the people. He needs a reason, a hope, or a sign to break out.

“Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”

Nathaenal, Jesus always saw you, sees you and will see you ever more.

Source: https://library.biblicalarchaeology.org/article/jacobs-terrible-burden/

Personal Reflection

Jacob/Israel is someone we can all relate to in one way or another. His extensive personal story and place in the story of Joseph and the Exodus gives us opportunity places to identify with him (or hs spouses or his children). Yet, in the gospel portion we are reminded:

  1. Jesus sees you.
  2. You are under the divine protection (fig tree).
  3. Your agonies are to come to an end.
  4. Jesus is the one.

Sacred Readings

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082424.cfm

First Reading

The angel spoke to me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” NABRE Commentary: The bride, the wife of the Lamb: the church (Rev 21:2), the new Jerusalem (Rev 21:10); cf. 2 Cor 11:2.

Responsorial

Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

The LORD is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.

Gospel Acclamation

Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.

Gospel

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Leave a Reply